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www.KMinsure.com Volume 136 • Issue 37
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
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City Council votes to dissolve KM Housing Authority By Loretta Cozart On Tuesday, September 3, the city council unanimously dissolved Kings Mountain Housing Authority. This action was taken to facilitate efforts to rebuild the authority and bring it back to its previous high-performing status among housing authorities in North Carolina. Although the housing authority is separate from the City of Kings Mountain, N.C.G.S. 157-4.1A permits
Dr. Robert Baker, DDM, is the fourth generation of Baker dentists to practice in Kings Mountain. (Photo provided)
Fourth generation to practice
Dr. Robert Baker begins dental practice in Kings Mountain By Loretta Cozart Dr. Robert Baker, DDM, continues his family's legacy by joining the team at Baker Dental Care. He is the sixth Baker and fourth generation to practice dentistry in Kings Mountain, where they have served the citizens since 1907. His journey led him from graduating with an Exercise and Sport Science degree at UNC-Chapel Hill to earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at ECU. Through his dedication to the community, he aims to carry on the tradition of serving the citizens of Kings Mountain, offering dental care with compassion and devotion. Robert follows in the footsteps of his father, Bryan Baker, his grandfa-
ther, Thomas P. (Tommy) Baker, and his great-grandfather, Luther P. Baker. He joined Baker Dental Care in June, continuing the long standing legacy of the Baker family practice in Kings Mountain. His uncle, Stephen Baker, is also in the practice. Following graduation at UNC-Chapel Hill, he took a gap year to prepare for his admissions tests. “During that year, I participated in two Mission of Mercy dental clinics, shadowing specialists and treating people with limited access to care,” he said. The Mission of Mercy clinics restores dignity by providing free healthcare. While at ECU, Robert helped found the Sports Dentistry Club and was its first president. A highlight See BAKER, Page 4A
Ward 1 residents invited to discuss Thombs Park and Watterson Park The City of Kings Mountain wants to hear from Ward 1 residents at a drop-in meeting on Thursday, September 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Mt. Zion Church Fellowship Hall at 220 N. Watterson Street to receive input on ways to improve the Thombs Walking Track / Watterson Park. Ward 1 citizens are encouraged to participate in a community discussion where they can share their
vision, ideas, and concerns about the park. Enhancements include restroom facilities, a paved walking track, a paved parking lot, fitness stations, fitness/story walk board frames, picnic areas, and a masterplan concept. Councilwoman Annie Thombs and Cultural Director Christina Martin will be on hand to listen to your thoughts and collaborate on exciting improvements. Your input is crucial in shaping the future of Thombs Walking Track!
the City Council to dissolve the authority and transfer its duties to the existing Kings Mountain Redevelopment Commission. Councilman Jay Rhodes moved to adopt a resolution dissolving the Kings Mountain Housing Authority and transferring its powers, duties, and responsibilities to the Kings Mountain Redevelopment Commission, effective September 13. The vote was unanimous. Councilwoman Shearra Miller moved to adopt
a Resolution appointing members to the Kings Mountain Redevelopment Commission with overlapping terms, effective September 13. The council unanimously approved the action. With those actions, the Kings Mountain Housing Authority will now operate under the umbrella of the Kings Mountain Redevelopment Commission. The council then unanimously approved naming Veronica Williams as In-
terim Executive Director of the Kings Mountain Redevelopment Commission. Williams has experience bringing troubled housing authorities back into compliance in various municipalities, most recently in Lancaster, SC. Before taking questions from the audience, many of whom were concerned residents of the Kings Mountain Housing Authority about the implications of this action, Councilwoman See HOUSING, Page 5A
KMPD swears in police officer By Loretta Cozart
On August 16, Giovanni Piero Aureliano was officially sworn in as Kings Mountain’s newest police officer. Officer Aureliano was accompanied by his wife, three of his four sons, his first grandchild, and daughter-in-law. The KMPD welcomed him saying, “We are happy to welcome him and his family to our community. He and his wife live in Shelby. Please help us congratulate Giovanni on this most important milestone in his law enforcement career. ‘Congratulations Giovanni, and welcome to the KMPD family.”
L-R: Capt. Buddy Black, Assistant Chief Chris Moore, Officer Aureliano, Chief Gerald Childress, and Captain Kenneth Hamrick. See more photos on page 3A. Photo by Loretta Cozart
Anthony "Bubba" Hillman honored with Celebrate-A-Citizen Award By Loretta Cozart In a proclamation awarded by Mayor Wagman, Anthony "Bubba" Hillman received the City of Kings Mountain 150th Year Celebrate-A-Citizen Award on August 27, at city hall. The proclamation noted that Anthony Hillman has displayed resilience, patience, and the ability to overcome as a business owner, model resident, father, and husband. It read that he displays a heart for the homeless
and the downtrodden, giving chances to those who don’t have many and offering encouragement in life’s onslaught of discouragement. He also shattered records in his days playing football at Kings Mountain High School in 1998 and remains the current record holder in three categories: • Most Rushing Yards in a Single Game – 298 • Most Rushing Yards in a Season – 2,510 • Most Rushing Yards in a Career – 5,618
ANTHONY "BUBBA" HILLMAN If you see Anthony “Bubba” Hillman around
town, please take a moment to congratulate him.
Museum’s 21st Annual Fundraiser Sept. 21 Kings Mountain Historical Museum will host its 21st Annual Fundraiser on Saturday, September 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Kings Mountain Historical Museum with a catered dinner, beer and wine, historic
demonstrations, and raffle prizes. The fundraiser generates revenue to support the museum's programming. Tickets for the annual fundraiser are now on sale! You can purchase a ticket online, from a board member, or in the museum Gift Shop. Tickets are $100 per person for non-members and $75 per
person for members. The evening features a catered dinner by Jo’s Florist & Catering, LLC, musical entertainment, beer & wine, and historic demonstrations on the museum grounds. There will be no auctions this year, but we will have some great raffle items for giveaways! Get your tickets today and help preserve Kings Moun-
tain History. Tickets can be purchased online, at the museum, or from a KMHM Board Member. The event also welcomes event sponsors and in-kind donations for auction items. To learn more about sponsorship and donation opportunities, please call 704-739-1019 or email kmhmdirector@outlook.com.
We Would Like to Welcome Robert Baker to Our Professional Staff
DENTAL CARE General, Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry
Our Family Has Been Serving the Kings Mountain and Surrounding Communities for Four Generations with Six Dentists Since 1907. ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS: To schedule your appointment
call 704-739-4461
703 E. Kings St., Suite 9, Kings Mountain • www.BakerDentalCare.com
Dr. Robert Baker